LITTLE CHANGE IN CATTLE VALUES

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 13

LITTLE CHANGE IN CATTLE VALUES

MEDIUM SHEEP RATES DECLINE SALES INCLINED TO BE ERRATIC Though prime heavy bullocks offered were firm, medium quality fat cattle offered at the Burnside stock market to-day failed by 10s to maintain late rates until midway through the sale, but then towards the finish came more competition, especially for cows ami heifers, which brought these up to 10s a head dearer, and other classes firm on late rates, Fat sheep were offered in large numbers, which resulted m a recession of Is to Is 6d a_ head on all medium quality sorts. Primes did not show much variation from last week. A few choice consignments of quality bullocks were included in the yarding Of about 300 head of fat cattle, while there was the usual penning of cows and heifers, some being rather better than, at recent yardings. However, there was not the same early competition as usual, but late rates were practically maintained throughout. With the benefit of outside competition values showed an advance over the concluding races. Values for prime heavy bullocks were firm on late rates, with best cows and heifers about 10s a head dearer than las* week and medium cattle 10s a head cheaper. Good quality heifers forward were ready of sale under keen competition. , A feature of the sale was a truck of exceedingly well-finished bullocks from Hastings-Bros., of Stirling, which topped the market. A show bullock realised the very satisfactory price of | £25 7s 6d„ while the average, for the truck was £2l 5s a head. ~ Values were, for extra prime heavy bullocks, to £25 7s 6d- prime, from £l7 2s 6d to £2O 2s 6d; medium, £l2 7s 6d to £ls 12s 6d; and light, down to £8 17s 6d. Extra prime cows and heifers made to £l4 12s 6d; prime, from £9 2s 6d to £ll 2s 6d; medium, £7 12s 6d to £8 17a 6d; and light, down to £4 17s 6d. Largest entry for some time, the fat sheep section included a good showing of prime quality wethers and ewes, but the market at the time of going to press was not as keen at last week. One or two trucks were in good demand, however, and prime heavy wethers had made to 30s 3d and ewes to 38s at this stage. Then medium quality sheep were selling at Is to Is 6d cheaper, and it was expected that the values would recede as the .sale progressed, despite outside competition. The sale was erratic at times. Some. vealers of exceptional quality were included in the yarding of about 25 head. Prices were very firm, outstanding sorts bringing from £C 11s to £7 14s and ordinary types from £3 10s to £4 ss. One pen of very poor yearlings which brought 17s 6d a head and about halfdozen young cows comprised the store cattle entry. No steers were penned. Boner cows, of which there was a small entry, brought late rates. Baconers were selling on a par with late rates in the fat pig section, where a total of 141 head was penned. Prices ranged from £4 to £4 17s a head, or about 7Jd lb, while porkers were firm, bringing from £2 12s to £3 10s a head, or about 9d lb. There were 109 head of stores forward.